Open or Concealed. Personal preference.
Those talking about “getting the drop of the bad guy” or “not looking like a hard target” only sets you up to BE a target.
Look like food, get eaten.
You decide. What are your circumstances? What works best for you?
Do that. But, be armed...
Concealed OWB - Sig P239 9mm Gold Dots
A trained eye can quite often discern whether someone is carrying a firearm whether or not an attempt has been made to conceal it. I am always on the lookout when I am out and about and I usually spot several people carrying concealed each week. The first "tell" I look for is clothing choices that are obviously chosen for concealment purposes. The second is in how they walk and purport themselves. The third is how they fiddle with their clothes ("don't pet your pistol"). I am sure that the criminal class is similarly always on the lookout like I am.
What many of us in pro-gun states who frequently carry eventually get to is a state of "casual carry". We make modest efforts to conceal our firearms but don't worry about whether it will be exposed. People who carry concealed weapons should act the same as if they are open carrying. You never know for certain that someone hasn't identified your firearm and is moving in to try and take it. Do whatever you are comfortable with. The most important thing is simply to carry.
Depends on what you are carrying.
I’ve never been able to conceal anything belt fed.
Usually I carry concealed. But when we had our heat wave last week, I was carrying openly. No big deal up here. I also open carry when I’m in AZ for the winter. No big deal there either.
I live in the “show me” state too. I carry concealed because I want a person who looks at me to have ask themselves a serious question before ffing with me. I do look like capable man, wear capable looking clothes and tend to act capable ad well.
I carry openly at home or when hunting/fishing/ boating etc.
I carry a handgun inorder to get to my rifle.....
Based on situation (usually). Live in southern Nevada, long drive to work. Concealed permit since 2013.
Mostly concealed in town. I sometimes open carry, with the result that most people don’t care. The few that do are simply curious or may ask about the local laws or getting the concealed permit process or “watcha carryin’?”. All have been pleasant encounters.
Drive to work is always open carry - simply more comfortable for the long drive. Coffee stop in town at 0415, no problems. Once out of town I consider rural Nevada to be an armed camp so don’t expect any problems - but always watching.
The gas stop (Hello Ash Springs) has caused a few curious inquiries, including one very nice Canadian couple who started off with “Are you the sheriff?” I explained no and carrying was fairly liberal in a lot of states. Had a very nice conversation with them. I think they decided I was an Old Fart and fairly harmless.
Carry is 1911s - Ruger, Colt, a couple of Rock Islands, Galco Fletch holster. Rotate the weapons monthly.
Concealed carry provides a tiny bit of extra protection against a bad guy taking the weapon. It also provides more protection against false accusations.
Into the Fray Episode 114: Proof Open Carry is a Bad Idea
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z7iq1r_bats
Into the Fray, Episode 8: The Open Carry Debate - YouTube
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WXOi0ZymReg
Moved from CA to MS.
Now that I Carry without fear of being put in Prison or being gunned down by the Sacramento Stasi, I prefer to carry my Pistol using an OWB Holster.
I always wear my shirts untucked and the Pistol is never visible. I have an IWB Holster, but I found it very clumsy and uncomfortable.
Like some others Posting here, I think Open Carry can make you a Target if you come across someone with Criminal intent. Just my opinion.
Even though MS is a Constitutional Carry State, I will be getting my Conceal Carry Permit the day I meet the One Year Residency requirement. Multi State Reciprocity and all that Jazz.
This Ping List is for all things pertaining to infringes upon or victories for the 2nd Amendment.
FReepmail me if you want to be added to or deleted from the list.
More 2nd Amendment related articles on FR's Bang List.